New Name, Logo, And Capital Campaign For Susquehanna SPCA

After announcing a SHELTER US capital campaign the Susquehanna SPCA (formerly Susquehanna Animal Shelter) is excited to move forward to provide much more for dogs and cats in Otsego County.

According to a press release, on November 21, the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) launched a $2,000,000 SHELTER US capital campaign which will not only support construction of a new campus that will house a new, state-of-the-art animal shelter, but a thrift store as well.

The project – buoyed by a $500,000 New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant through the Department of Agriculture and Markets – will move the shelter and thrift store facilities 1.2 miles north of the current location on State Route 28 between Cooperstown and Oneonta. Workers are expected to break ground in the spring of 2019 with a target date of May 2020 for the move. Total project cost is anticipated to be around $2 million.

Executive Director Stacie Haynes says “To date, we have raised $680,000 of our $2,000,000 goal. We’re grateful for this jump start toward the final figure, but ultimately we will need help from our County, friends and neighbors to reach the necessary target amount.”

Haynes goes on to say "The new site will still be easily accessible to visitors, adopters and shopper." Additionally, "the new facilities will improve the daily lives of sheltered dogs and cats by better conforming to guidelines established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Upgraded features will include two entrances separating incoming animals from visitors and animals leaving for their new homes, a sterile surgery suite with safe recovery area, a fresh air ventilation system to benefit visitors as well as animals under shelter care, and more convenient parking."

In conjunction with the capital campaign, Susquehanna SPCA has changed their name, formerly The Susquehanna Animal Shelter, with a return to the organization’s original name and created a new logo (pictured above) to go along with it.

Haynes explains that the name change reflects more accurately who they are and what they do at the shelter. She says, “We work on a daily basis to help animals in need and to prevent animal cruelty by providing care, addressing medical needs, ensuring the spay and neuter of dogs and cats to reduce unwanted pet populations, and by matching people with animals searching for homes.”

She makes sure to point out that, while affiliated with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Susquehanna SPCA is a private, independent nonprofit organization that receives no funds from the ASPCA. That's why this year, the shelter is asking supporters to consider a gift to the SHELTER US capital campaign in addition to annual gifts, which they depend upon for ongoing operations.

In operation since 1917, the Susquehanna SPCA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to caring for homeless, surrendered, and seized companion animals and finding them loving, forever homes. For more information or to donate, visit www.sqspca.org.